U.S. patent application number 13/005253 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-05 for gutter retaining system.
Invention is credited to Karl J. Gramling.
Application Number | 20110099917 13/005253 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43923898 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110099917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gramling; Karl J. |
May 5, 2011 |
GUTTER RETAINING SYSTEM
Abstract
An interlocking gutter system that incorporates a gutter clip
and a gutter hanger to affix a gutter to a retaining clip attached
to a fascia board of a building, thereby eliminating the need to
place holes in the gutter itself to insert screws or nails. The
gutter hanger of the present invention is constructed of a single
piece which has a hanger portion which is disposed substantially
within the gutter and spans the width of the gutter to maintain the
shape and structural integrity of the gutter. A vertical portion of
the gutter hanger extends vertically from the hanger portion and
terminates in a top portion which provides support to a leaf
protection device. Alternatively, the gutter hanger is constructed
of a hanger portion, and a separate vertical portion which is
contiguous with the top portion, and is also slidably attachable to
the hanger portion.
Inventors: |
Gramling; Karl J.; (Boerne,
TX) |
Family ID: |
43923898 |
Appl. No.: |
13/005253 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12243036 |
Oct 1, 2008 |
7891143 |
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13005253 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/12 ;
248/48.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/076 20130101;
E04D 13/0725 20130101; E04D 13/0727 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/12 ;
248/48.2 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/076 20060101
E04D013/076; E04D 13/072 20060101 E04D013/072 |
Claims
1. A hanger for supporting a leaf protection device and reinforcing
a gutter without placing a hole in said gutter, said hanger
comprising: a hanger portion comprising a first end formed to
engage a lip disposed along a front wall of said gutter, an
intermediate section adjacent said first end, and a second end
formed to receive a top edge of a rear wall of said gutter and
disposed adjacent said intermediate section; a vertical portion
substantially perpendicular to said hanger portion, said vertical
portion being slidably and removably attached to said intermediate
section; a top portion adjacent said vertical portion comprising a
rear section substantially parallel to said intermediate section of
said hanger portion and a front section adjacent said rear section;
and said front section being angled generally downward and outward
toward said first end of said hanger portion and terminating
substantially above and rearward said first end.
2. The hanger as disclosed in claim 1 further comprising: a
receiving surface adjacent said intermediate section of said hanger
portion, said receiving surface being elevated above said
intermediate section by at least one leg disposed underneath said
receiving surface and contiguous with said receiving surface and
said intermediate section; a platform adjacent the lower end of
said vertical portion, said platform comprising two legs on
opposite ends of said platform from each other and extending
downward there from and turning inward toward one another to define
a cavity for receiving said receiving surface.
3. The hanger as disclosed in claim 1 wherein said first end of
said hanger portion comprises a vertical wall and an inward wall
adjacent said vertical wall, said inward wall extending
substantially inward toward said vertical portion of said
hanger.
4. The hanger as disclosed in claim 1 wherein said second end of
said hanger portion comprises a vertical wall adjacent said
intermediate section and a downwardly curved hanging portion
adjacent said vertical wall.
5. The hanger as disclosed in claim 1 wherein said front section of
said top portion comprises a first panel which angles downward and
outward from said rear section, a second panel which angles
downward and outward from said first panel, and an end panel which
angles downward and inward from said second panel.
6. The hanger as disclosed in claim 1 wherein said vertical portion
of said hanger comprises: a lower section adjacent said platform
and extending upward therefrom, said lower section angling toward
said front section of said top portion; and an upper section
adjacent said lower section and extending upward, said upper
section being substantially perpendicular to and adjacent said rear
section of said top portion and substantially perpendicular to said
intermediate section of said hanger.
7. The hanger as disclosed in claim 1 further comprising: a knob
terminating an end of said rear section of said top portion
opposite said front section wherein said knob has a locking
protrusion on a rearward portion thereof; and a support strap
slidably and removably attached to said knob, said support strap
terminating in a clip for receiving said knob and said locking
protrusion to removably attach said support strap to said top
portion of said hanger.
8. The hanger as disclosed in claim 2 wherein said platform further
comprises a backstop portion disposed adjacent said platform and
extending substantially upward from said platform.
9. A gutter hanger and leaf protection support apparatus
comprising: a hanger portion for reinforcing a gutter without
placing a hole in said gutter, said hanger portion comprising a
first end formed to engage a lip disposed along a front wall of
said gutter, an intermediate section adjacent said first end, a
receiving surface elevated above and adjacent said intermediate
section, and a second end formed to receive a top edge of a rear
wall of said gutter and disposed adjacent said intermediate
section; said receiving surface having a first vertical wall and
second vertical wall opposite said first vertical wall, disposed
underneath said receiving surface and contiguous with said
intermediate section and said receiving surface; a leaf protection
support removably and slidably attached to said hanger portion,
said leaf protection support comprising a platform, a vertical
portion adjacent said platform and extending substantially upward
there from, and a top portion adjacent said vertical portion, said
top portion having a rear section substantially perpendicular to
said vertical portion and a front section adjacent said rear
section; and said platform having a first vertical leg and a second
vertical leg opposite said first vertical leg, said first vertical
leg and second vertical leg being disposed downward from said
platform and extending inward toward one another, defining a cavity
for slidably receiving said receiving surface to slidably and
removably attach said leaf protection support to said hanger.
10. The gutter hanger and leaf protection support apparatus as
disclosed in claim 9 wherein: said first end of said hanger portion
further comprises a vertical wall adjacent said intermediate
section of said hanger portion and an inward wall adjacent said
vertical wall, said inward wall extending substantially inward
toward said platform receiving surface; and said second end of said
hanger portion further comprises a vertical wall adjacent said
intermediate section of said hanger portion and a downwardly curved
portion adjacent said vertical wall of said second end.
11. The gutter hanger and leaf protection support apparatus as
disclosed in claim 9 wherein said front section of said leaf
protection support further comprises a first panel which angles
downward and outward from said rear section, a second panel which
angles downward and outward from said first panel, and an end panel
which angles downward and inward from said second panel.
12. The gutter hanger and leaf protection support apparatus as
disclosed in claim 9 further comprising: a knob terminating an end
of said rear section of said leaf protection support opposite said
front section wherein said knob has a locking protrusion on a
rearward portion thereof; and a support strap removably and
slidably attached to said knob, said support strap terminating in a
clip for receiving said knob and said locking protrusion to
removably and slidably attach said support strap to said top
portion of said leaf protection support.
13. The gutter hanger and leaf protection support apparatus as
disclosed in claim 9 wherein said vertical portion of said leaf
protection support further comprises: a lower section adjacent said
platform, said lower section extending upward and angling toward
said front section of said top portion; and an upper section
adjacent said lower section and extending upward, said upper
section being substantially perpendicular to and adjacent said rear
section of said top portion and substantially perpendicular to said
intermediate section of said hanger portion.
14. The gutter hanger and leaf protection support apparatus as
disclosed in claim 9 wherein said platform of said leaf protection
support further comprises a backstop adjacent said platform and
extending substantially upward from said platform.
15. A system for mounting a gutter and leaf protection device to a
building without placing holes in said gutter, said system
comprising: a gutter comprising a front wall having a lip, a bottom
wall adjacent said front wall, and a rear wall adjacent said bottom
wall; a retaining member comprising a vertical portion, an arm
portion adjacent a top section of said vertical portion and angling
outward and downward from said vertical portion and a hook portion
adjacent said arm portion and angling inward and upward toward said
vertical portion; a gutter clip comprising a vertical portion, a
horizontal spacer on a lower end of said vertical portion and
extending outward there from, a hanging portion adjacent a top end
of said vertical portion, said hanging portion being downwardly
curved to receive a top edge of said rear wall of said gutter and
terminating in an end portion which is slightly angled downward and
outward from said hanging portion; and a hanger for reinforcing
said gutter and supporting a leaf protection device comprising a
hanger portion having a first end formed to engage said lip of said
front wall of said gutter, a second end formed to receive said
hanging portion of said gutter clip, and an intermediate section
adjacent said first end and said second end, a vertical portion
substantially perpendicular to and slidably and removably attached
to said intermediate section, said vertical portion having a top
portion adjacent said vertical portion, said top portion comprising
a rear section and a front section adjacent said rear section;
wherein said hanging portion of said gutter clip receives said top
edge of said rear wall of said gutter such that said end portion
and part of said hanging portion of said gutter clip are disposed
along an inner surface of said rear wall of said gutter; and
wherein said second end of said hanger receives said hanging
portion of said gutter clip and said retaining clip receives said
second end of said hanger between said hook portion and said
vertical portion of said retaining clip.
16. The system for mounting a gutter and leaf protection device to
a building as disclosed in claim 15, wherein: said first end of
said hanger further comprises a vertical wall adjacent said
intermediate section of said hanger and an inward wall adjacent
said vertical wall, said inward wall extending substantially inward
toward said vertical portion of said hanger; and said second end of
said hanger further comprises a vertical wall adjacent said
intermediate section of said hanger and a downwardly curved hanging
portion adjacent said vertical wall of said second end.
17. The system for mounting a gutter and leaf protection device to
a building as disclosed in claim 16 wherein said front section of
said top portion of said hanger further comprises a first panel
which angles downward and outward from said rear section, a second
panel which angles downward and outward from said first panel, and
an end panel which angles downward and inward from said second
panel, such that said front section substantially conforms to the
shape of a front portion of a leaf protection device.
18. The system for mounting a gutter and leaf protection device to
a building as disclosed in claim 17 further comprising: a knob
terminating an end of said rear section of said top portion
opposite said front section wherein said knob has a locking
protrusion on a rearward portion thereof; and a support strap
removably and slidably attached to said knob, said support strap
terminating in a clip for receiving said knob and said locking
protrusion to removably and slidably attach said support strap to
said top portion of said hanger.
19. The system for mounting a gutter and leaf protection device to
a building as disclosed in claim 18 wherein: said hanger portion
has a receiving surface elevated above and adjacent said
intermediate section of said hanger, said receiving surface having
a first vertical leg and second vertical leg opposite said first
vertical leg, said first vertical leg and second vertical leg being
disposed underneath said receiving surface and contiguous with said
intermediate section and said receiving surface; said vertical
portion comprising a platform having a first vertical leg and a
second vertical leg opposite said first vertical leg extending
downward from said platform and turning inward toward one another,
defining a cavity for slidably receiving said receiving surface to
slidably attach said vertical portion and top portion of said
hanger to said hanger portion of said hanger.
20. The system for mounting a gutter and leaf protection device to
a building as disclosed in claim 19 wherein said platform of said
hanger further comprising a vertical protrusion disposed on an end
of said platform opposite said vertical portion of said hanger, and
a backstop disposed between said vertical portion of said hanger
and said vertical protrusion, said backstop extending substantially
upward from said platform.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part patent application claiming
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/243,036, filed Oct.
1, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Applicant's invention relates to a gutter retaining system
for affixing a gutter to a building without placing holes in the
gutter. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
interlocking system that incorporates a gutter clip and a gutter
hanger to affix the gutter to a retaining clip attached to a fascia
board of a building, thereby eliminating the need to place holes in
the gutter itself to insert screws or nails. The gutter hanger of
the gutter retaining system is constructed of a single piece and
incorporates an upper portion designed to support a leaf protection
device. Alternatively, the upper portion is removably attached to
the gutter hanger.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] For years property owners have struggled with the
destructive effects of water on their buildings. However, by
channeling the water away from the structure, building owners can
reduce the damage caused by water. This can be accomplished through
the use of a gutter system to channel water off the roof and away
from the foundation. However, any damaged lengths of gutter or
drain pipe caused by wear, improper installation, or sagging can
cause leaks which can result in water damage to the building.
[0006] Traditionally, gutters have been attached by nailing the
gutter directly to the building. Building contractors typically
used a spike and ferrule system, in which a narrow, tubular spacer,
the ferrule, is placed between the front wall of a gutter and its
rear wall, ensuring that the front wall remains at a uniform
distance from the rear wall. A spike or long nail is then punched
through the outside of the front wall of the gutter, through the
ferrule, through the back wall of the gutter, and into the wall or
fascia board of the building.
[0007] A gutter installed in this way ends up with its front wall
tilted forward towards the ground. Once this occurs the captured
rainwater and other debris tends to pool along the outer edge of
the gutter causing the weight on the outer edge of the gutter to
increase, thus resulting in the gutter pulling away from the wall
or fascia board. Further, while this manner of installation
temporarily secures the gutter in place, it does not ensure that
water will not run behind the gutter. If water is allowed to run
and collect behind the gutter, eventually the integrity of the wood
or fascia board begins to weaken and the gutter is slowly pulled
away from the building.
[0008] The utilization of gutter hangers is the most common way in
which installers have tried to improve the integrity and life of
gutter systems. A gutter hanger is basically a modified spacer that
is shaped like a flat plate, with both ends mined upward. A first
end of the gutter hanger is inserted under the lip of the front
wall of the gutter, typically located along the inner surface of
the front wall of the gutter, along the top thereof. The second
end, with a pre-punched nail hole, is placed against the rear wall
of the gutter. A nail or screw is then inserted through the nail
hole, through the rear wall of the gutter, and into the building
wall or fascia board. A variation of this method includes placing
the second end of the gutter hanger over the top of the rear wall
of the gutter. The gutter hanger is then nailed directly into the
building wall or fascia board. While these methods of installation
eliminate the need for inserting the nail or screw through the
front wall of the gutter, a hole is still placed through the back
wall of the gutter.
[0009] Another problem associated with gutter systems is the
collection of leaves, dirt and other debris in addition to water.
Collection of such extraneous matter adds substantial weight to the
gutter, often resulting in bending or deforming the gutter, or the
gutter tearing away from the building or fascia board. As a way to
prevent leaves, dirt and other debris from entering the gutter,
many different leaf protection devices have emerged. Leaf
protection devices are typically installed over the gutter in a
manner as to substantially cover the gutter while leaving small
areas of the gutter exposed so that water may collect therein. Yet,
installation of such leaf protection devices--especially on
preexisting gutters--is often cumbersome and time consuming.
[0010] The reason that installation of leaf protection devices is
cumbersome and time consuming is that in order to install most leaf
protection devices, brackets must also be installed to support
those devices. Typically, the brackets need to be installed onto
the gutter hangers. Yet, only certain brackets are appropriate to
be installed on certain hangers. Therefore, often times not only do
brackets need to be installed, but gutter hangers must be replaced
as well. As a result, the nails or screws must be removed from the
gutter hangers. Thus, the entire gutter system must be taken down,
the gutter hangers must be changed out, the brackets must be
installed, and then the gutter system must be reinstalled on the
same building. Only then is it possible to install the leaf
protection device.
[0011] It is therefore desirable to provide a gutter system that
affixes a gutter to a building without placing holes in the gutter.
It is also desirable to provide a system for affixing a gutter
which reinforces the integrity of the gutter to prevent the gutter
from sagging or tearing away from the building. It is also
desirable to provide a gutter hanger which is constructed to
incorporate support brackets to support a leaf protection device.
Alternatively, it is desirable to provide a gutter hanger that is
designed to allow the optional addition of support brackets at a
later time with ease, and without needing to replace the gutter
hanger.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The gutter system of the present invention provides the
advantage of affixing a gutter to a building or fascia board of a
building without placing holes in the gutter. The gutter system of
the present invention also provides the advantages of providing
reinforcement of the structural integrity of the gutter while
providing support brackets to support a leaf protection device. The
gutter system of the present invention incorporates a gutter clip
and a gutter hanger to affix the gutter to a retaining member. The
retaining member has a flat vertical portion which rests flush
against a fascia board of a building in the preferred embodiment.
The retaining member is attached to the fascia board by a nail or
screw, and is the only site of attachment of the present system to
the fascia board itself. The retaining member extends vertically
along the vertical portion above the screw or nail. An arm portion
of the retaining member extends downwardly and outwardly from a top
portion of the retaining member, and terminates in a hook portion
which angles inward and upward toward the vertical portion. Thus, a
hook is formed by the retaining member to hold the gutter hanger
therein.
[0013] A gutter clip is designed to attach directly to the gutter.
The gutter clip has a vertical portion which is disposed against
the outer surface of the rear wall of the gutter, between the
gutter and the fascia board. Along the lower end of the vertical
portion of the gutter clip, a horizontal spacer extends outward
toward the fascia board, and terminates in a vertical protrusion
which extends upward and is substantially parallel to the vertical
portion. This spacer portion of the gutter clip facilitates keeping
the gutter substantially level where there are substantial spaces
or overlay between the fascia board and the overhang of shingles,
or where the fascia board is tilted inward, toward the building or
structure. A hanging portion of the gutter clip is located along
the top portion of the gutter clip. The hanging portion curves
downward on the side of the vertical portion opposite the spacer
portion, creating a cavity for receiving a top edge of the rear
wall of the gutter. The hanging portion curves slightly past
parallel with the vertical portion, such that it is angled slightly
toward the vertical portion. Thereafter, the hanging portion
terminates in an end portion which angles slightly downward and
away from the vertical portion of the gutter clip.
[0014] A gutter hanger of the preferred embodiment has a hanger
portion which has a first end. The first end has a vertical wall
extending substantially vertically and an inward wall which
projects inward, toward a vertical portion of the gutter hanger,
and slightly upward. The second end is opposite the first end, and
has a vertical wall extending upward from the hanger portion, and a
hanging portion which curves outward toward the fascia board and
then downward along the vertical portion of the retaining member,
as described herein below. The intermediate section of the gutter
hanger is disposed between the first and second ends and generally
spans the width of the gutter, thereby maintaining the shape and
structural integrity of the gutter.
[0015] A vertical portion of the gutter hanger extends vertically
from the intermediate section and terminates in a top portion of
the gutter hanger. The vertical portion and the top portion form
the bracket support to support a leaf protection device. The top
portion has a front section which generally conforms to the shape
of a front portion of the leaf protection device. The rear section
of the top portion extends toward the roof of the building,
terminating above the intermediate section of the hanger portion.
At the end of the rear section, there is a knob or boss for
receiving a support strap. The knob has a small locking protrusion
along its rearward portion to prevent the support strap from
rotating when engaged with the knob.
[0016] The gutter clip slides over the top edge of the back wall of
a gutter such that the vertical portion of the gutter clip is
substantially flush with the outer surface of the back wall of the
gutter, with the horizontal spacer aligning outward. The top of the
back wall of the gutter slides into the hanging portion, such that
part of the hanging portion and the end portion are on the inner
surface of the back wall of the gutter.
[0017] The gutter hanger is then inserted into the gutter. The
inward wall of the first end of the gutter hanger engages the lip
on the inner surface of the front wall of the gutter, and the
vertical wall of the first end of the gutter hanger abuts against a
portion of the front wall of the gutter. The second end of the
gutter hanger is placed over the gutter clip such that the vertical
wall of the second end of the gutter hanger contacts the hanging
portion and the end portion of the gutter clip on the inside of the
rear or back wall of the gutter. The hanging portion of the gutter
hanger then wraps around the hanging portion of the gutter clip.
The intermediate section of the gutter hanger is disposed within
the gutter and lies across the width of the gutter.
[0018] The gutter, gutter clip, and gutter hanger are installed on
the building by placing the gutter hanger between the vertical
portion and the hook portion of the retaining member. After
securing the gutter, a leaf protection device may be installed over
the top portion of the gutter hanger. Screws or nails can be placed
through the leaf protection device and into the top portion of the
gutter hanger to secure the leaf protection device to the
hanger.
[0019] Optionally, prior to installing the leaf protection device,
a support strap may be removably attached to the top portion. The
support strap has a clip for receiving the knob on the rear section
of the top portion of the gutter clip. The clip slides onto the
knob, and the strap extends toward the roof, where it can rest on
the roof. As installed, the support strap relieves part of the
stress placed on the top portion and the vertical portion of the
gutter clip by the leaf protection device. The locking protrusion
prevents rotation of the strap with respect to the knob, so that
the strap can rest on the roof in a fixed position and support the
vertical portion without penetrating the roof with nails or screws
to attach the support strap to the roof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gutter system of the
present invention with a leaf protection device;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side view of the gutter system of the present
invention showing the leaf protection device resting on the gutter
hanger;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gutter hanger of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the gutter hanger of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the
gutter hanger of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the gutter system of the
present invention with the alternative embodiment of the gutter
hanger;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of the gutter system of the present
invention showing the leaf protection device resting on the
alternative embodiment of the gutter hanger;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the retaining member of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the gutter clip of the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the support strap of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the
gutter hanger of the present invention; and
[0031] FIG. 12 is a side view of the gutter system of the present
invention with an alternative embodiment of the gutter hanger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the gutter system 10 of the
present invention is disclosed. The gutter system 10 comprises a
gutter hanger 12, a gutter clip 14 and a retaining member 16. As
shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the retaining member has a vertical portion
16a which lies flush against a fascia board 18, and is secured
thereto by a screw 20. In the present gutter system 10, the screw
20 being place through the retaining member 16 and into the fascia
board 18 is the only point of attachment between the gutter 22 and
the building or structure (not shown). However, a nail or other
appropriate attaching device could be used in place of the screw
20. The retaining member 16 has an arm 16b on the upper end of
vertical portion 16a which extends downward and outward from the
upper end of the vertical portion 16a. A hook portion 16c is
contiguous with arm 16b, and angles inward and upward toward
vertical portion 16a. As discussed in detail below, the gutter clip
14 and gutter hanger 12 are secured to the retaining member 16
between the hook portion 16c and the vertical portion 16a.
[0033] Furthermore, although the retaining member 16 is shown and
described as having a vertical member that is flush against the
fascia board 18, various modifications of the retaining member 16
could be made. For instance, the modifications disclosed in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/939,246, wherein a horizontal spacer
extends from a lower part of vertical portion 16a opposite arm 16b
and hook portion 16c to accommodate different slanting angles of
the fascia board 18.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9, the gutter clip 14 of the gutter
system 10 is shown. The gutter clip 14 has a vertical portion 14a.
At a lower end of vertical portion 14a, a horizontal spacer 14b
extends outward, and a vertical protrusion 14c extends upward,
substantially parallel to vertical portion 14a from the end of the
spacer 14b. The spacer 14b aides in keeping the gutter
substantially level when the gutter hanger 12 is attached to the
retaining member 16. Thus, spacer 14b separates the rear wall 22a
of the gutter 22 from the fascia board 18. A hanging portion 14d of
the gutter clip 14 is located along the top of the gutter clip 14.
The hanging portion 14d curves downward on the side of vertical
portion 14a opposite spacer 14b, creating a cavity for receiving a
top portion of the rear wall 22a of gutter 22. Hanging portion 14d
curves past parallel with vertical portion 14a to angle slightly
toward vertical portion 14a. Thereafter, hanging portion 14d
terminates in an end portion 14e which angles downward and outward
from said vertical portion 14a.
[0035] Hanging portion 14d of gutter clip 14 slides over the top
edge of rear wall 22a of gutter 22. As engaged with rear wall 22a,
vertical portion 14a of gutter clip 14 is substantially flush with
the outer surface of rear wall 22a, and spacer 14b is aligned
outward from rear wall 22a. The top of rear wall 22a slides into
the cavity between vertical portion 14a and hanging portion 14d
such that part of hanging portion 14d and end portion 14e are
disposed along the inner surface of rear wall 22a. Hanging portion
14d and end portion 14e are then crimped toward vertical portion
14a using a pair of pliers or other suitable crimping device, thus
securing gutter 22 to gutter clip 14.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the preferred embodiment of
gutter hanger 12 is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, gutter
hanger 12 is constructed of a single piece, having a hanger portion
26, a vertical portion 28 and a top portion 30. Hanger portion 26
reinforces and helps maintain the structural shape and integrity of
gutter 22, whereas vertical portion 28 and top portion 30 serve as
a support bracket for a leaf protection device 24. Hanger portion
26 has a first end 32 which engages a portion of front wall 22b of
gutter 22. First end 32 has a vertical wall 32a and an inward wall
32b. Inward wall 32b is angled inward, toward vertical portion 28,
and slightly upward. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inward wall 32b
engages a lip 22c of front wall 22b, and is disposed between said
lip 22c and the inner surface of front wall 22b. Likewise, vertical
wall 32a is disposed along the inner surface of front wall 22b,
along a portion thereof.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, hanger portion 26 of gutter hanger 12
has a second end 34 disposed on the opposite end of hanger portion
26 from first end 32. Second end 34 has a vertical wall 34a
extending upward and a hanging portion 34b. Hanging portion 34b
extends downward from vertical wall 34a, and extends parallel to
vertical wall 34a for a slight distance, forming a cavity for
receiving the hanging portion 14d and end portion 14e of gutter
clip 14, which is attached to rear wall 22a of gutter 22. An
intermediate section 36 of hanger portion 26 is disposed between
first end 32 and second end 34, forming a contiguous hanger portion
26. Intermediate section 36 is disposed across and inside gutter
22. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, once second end 34 receives hanging
portion 14d and end portion 14e of gutter clip 14, second end 34 of
gutter hanger 12 may be crimped using pliers or other suitable
crimping devices to secure gutter hanger 12 to gutter clip 14, and
thus, gutter 22. Once secured, second end 34 is inserted into a
cavity between hook portion 16c and vertical portion 16a of
retaining member 16. Second end 34 fits tightly within the cavity
between hook portion 16c and vertical portion 16a to allow
retaining member 16 to securely hold gutter 22, gutter hanger 12
and gutter clip 14.
[0038] Returning to FIG. 3, vertical portion 28 extends generally
upward from intermediate section 36, and terminates at top portion
30. As shown, vertical portion 28 has a lower section 28a that
extends generally upward and outward toward a front section 30b of
top portion 30. An upper section 28b of vertical portion 28 is
adjacent lower section 28a and extends vertically from lower
section 28a. Upper section 28b is substantially perpendicular to a
rear section 30a of top portion 30 and intermediate section 36. A
platform 36a is contiguous with and elevated above intermediate
section 36. On one end of the platform 36a, a small vertical wall
36b extends vertically slightly above platform 36a. On the opposite
end, platform 36a adjoins lower section 28a of vertical portion 28.
Platform 36a is disposed between first end 32 of hanger portion 26
and vertical portion 28.
[0039] Front section 30b of top portion 30 extends outward from
rear section 30a, and angles downward toward first end 32. An end
section 30c terminates front section 30b and angles downward and
slightly inward from first end 32. As shown in FIG. 2, end section
30c is disposed above first end 32, rearward of vertical wall 32a.
Rear section 30a is substantially horizontal and extends rearward
from vertical portion 28. Rear section 30a terminates in a knob 38.
Top portion 30 as shown accommodates and supports a "nose forward"
leaf protection device, as is commonly known in the art. However,
top portion 30 could be designed to accommodate other types of leaf
protection devices.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, once second end 34 is secured
within retaining member 16 between hook portion 16c and vertical
portion 16a, the leaf protection device 24 may be installed. Prior
to installing leaf protection device 24, a support strap 40 is
removably attached to top portion 30. Referring to FIG. 10, support
strap 40 has a clip 40a on one end thereof which receives knob 38
of rear section 30a. Clip 40a slides onto knob 38. The locking
protrusion at the rear portion of knob 38 is engaged to a second
recess within clip 40a to prevent vertical rotation of the support
strap 40 with regard to knob 38. However, the support strap 40 can
slide laterally with respect to knob 38. Support strap 40 extends
rearward and contacts a roof (not shown) of the building. Support
strap 40 aids in relieving stress placed on top portion 30 and
vertical portion 28 by leaf protection device 24. It should be
understood that support strap 40 could be eliminated from the
system 10, in which case leaf protection device 24 could be placed
directly on top portion 30 without having support strap 40
anchoring top portion 30 to the roof.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, leaf protection device 24 is placed
over top portion 30. Nose portion 24a of leaf protection device 24
substantially conforms to the shape of front section 30b of top
portion 30. Nose portion 24a extends over end portion 30c of front
portion 30b and extends downward and inward toward platform 36a of
intermediate section 36. There is a gap G between lip 22c of gutter
22 and leaf protection device 24, thus allowing the entry of water
into gutter 22 while substantially preventing leaves and other
debris from entering gutter 22. A base 24b of leaf protection
device 24 rests on platform 36a and is prevented from sliding
laterally off of platform 36a by vertical portion 28 and vertical
wall 36b. By providing platform 36a to receive base 24b, the weight
of nose portion 24a on front section 30b is reduced, thus reducing
the stress load on front section 30b. Body portion 24c of leaf
protection device 24 extends toward the roof of the building,
covering rear section 30a, knob 38, and support strap 40. A screw
20 is placed through body 24c and into the roof of the building to
secure leaf protection device 24 to the building. Likewise, a screw
20 may optionally be placed through body portion 24c and rear
section 30a of top portion 30 to further secure leaf protection
device to gutter hanger 12.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 7, an alternative
embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5, in the alternative embodiment, gutter hanger 12 is
constructed such that vertical portion 28 is separate, but slidably
attachable to hanger portion 26. Vertical portion 28 has lower
section 28a and upper section 28b which terminates at top portion
30. Thus, vertical portion 28 and top portion 30 are constructed of
a single piece. Lower section 28a terminates at platform 36a.
However, platform 36a is not contiguous with intermediate section
36 of hanger portion 26. Instead, there is a receiving surface 36c
on which platform 36a rests when vertical portion 28 is slidably
attached to hanger portion 26. Receiving surface 36c is elevated
above, but contiguous with intermediate section 36. Legs 36e are
disposed underneath receiving surface 36c and are contiguous with
intermediate section 36 and receiving surface 36c. By being
disposed underneath receiving surface 36c, legs 36e define grooves
for slidably receiving platform 36a. Legs 36d extend vertically
downward from platform 36a. Legs 36d extend downward from platform
36a and turn inward toward one another below platform 36a, forming
a receiving cavity substantially the same size and shape as
intermediate section 36 formed by legs 36e and receiving surface
36c of hanger portion 26. This construction allows vertical portion
28 to be slidably attached to hanger portion 26, as shown in FIGS.
4 and 5.
[0043] The advantage of having an a two-piece gutter hanger 12 as
described hereinabove, is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The hanger
portion 26 can readily be installed in the gutter system 10, as
described herein. However, if it is not desired to install a leaf
protection device 24, there is no need to install vertical portion
28 and top portion 30. An advantage of this embodiment is that if
it is later desired to add a leaf protection device 24 to the
gutter system 10 wherein hanger portion 26 is already installed,
vertical portion 28 can slide onto hanger portion 26, allowing leaf
protection device 24 to be installed on top of the gutter system 10
as described herein, without the need to remove the gutter 22,
gutter clip 14 and hanging portion 26 from the retaining member 16
to replace hanging portion 26 with a one piece gutter hanger 12.
Moreover, the attachment of the vertical portion 28 to the hanger
portion 26 by the groove formed underneath platform 36a
corresponding to the shaped formed by legs 36e and receiving
surface 36c allows the vertical portion 28 to slide laterally with
respect to hanger portion 26. The ability to slide laterally
provides an advantage in that it prevents buckling of the gutter 22
and/or leaf protection device 24 as movement of the component parts
of the system 10 occurs, especially during summer months as the
temperature rises. Moreover, although described as being a part of
the system 10 of the present invention, it should be understood
that hanger portion 26 and vertical portion 28 can be installed on
pre-existing gutters that are not part of the system 10.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the
present invention is disclosed. Gutter hanger 12 is constructed
such that vertical portion 28 is separate, but slidably attachable
to hanger portion 26 in the same manner as disclosed hereinabove in
reference to the embodiment of gutter hanger 12 shown in FIGS. 4
through 7. However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a
backstop 36f extends vertically from platform 36a, and curves
slightly forward toward vertical wall 36b. As shown in FIG. 12,
base 24b of leaf protection device 24 is inserted between backstop
36f and vertical wall 36b and rests there between. The slight
forward curvature of backstop 36f prevents base 24b from sliding
out of the space between backstop 36f and vertical wall 36b. This
embodiment accommodates shorter bases 24b, as exist on some leaf
protection devices. It should be understood that backstop 36f can
be eliminated altogether, or placed anywhere along platform 36 to
accommodate the varying bases of different leaf protection
devices.
[0045] Backstop 36f is shown as being disposed approximately half
way between lower section 28a of vertical portion 28 and vertical
wall 36b. However, backstop 36f could be placed at any position
along platform 36a between lower section 28a and vertical wall 36b
so long as the distance between backstop 36f and vertical wall 36b
is sufficient to receive base 24b of leaf protection device 24.
Furthermore, although gutter hanger 12 is shown the embodiment
disclosed in FIGS. 11 and 12 as having vertical portion 28 separate
but attachable to hanger portion 26, gutter hanger 12 having
backstop 36f could be comprised of a single piece, as disclosed in
FIGS. 1 through 3.
[0046] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed
in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed
embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention
will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the
reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore,
contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications
that fall within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *